Introduction

Here is the Crescendo Music Education Podcast – Episode 50. Let’s insert a drumroll here 50!
And today, I am welcoming Mr. Stuart George.

About ‘Read the Episode’: Sometimes, we would rather skim visually than listen to a podcast! That’s a great way to learn too! The transcript of episode 050 of The Crescendo Music Education Podcast is below.

Introducing Stuart George

Debbie
Hello, Stuart.

Stuart George
Hello, Debbie, how you doing? Great to be here.

Debbie
Oh, it’s so exciting. So Stuart from CKP Creative, digital, social. So we will talk more about that. But can we just start introducing you and who you are. So, to me, you are my computer guy, or my website guy. So if ever I’m communicating with someone, Gmail? And I’ll say, Ah, I’m not really sure. Let me just ask my computer guy.

So if you ever get that text, that message from me, I’m talking about this guy, I’m talking to right now, Stuart. So Stuart is my web guy. But in a previous incarnation of Stuart. He was one of us, a music educator, which is how I first met Stuart. So first of all, Stuart, just tell us really briefly about your journey to where you are now about all things tech, really, and include your music education bit.

A Brief History of Stuart George’s Background

Stuart George
Absolutely, well, so I’ve got a big history with music because my parents met because of music going way back in the day. And they were both in the musicians union, not to go unionist, I’m not doing that, but way back in the day, we’re talking 60s, this is how everybody seemed to connect, there was no Facebook, there was no what we’ve got now, what we take a lot for granted.

So my dad reached out for a singer for his big band, my mum applied, he was absolutely gobsmacked. And he was the first one to ask her out in the band. So that’s why I’m here. I’m here because of music. Now, that’s really it all continued on, because I became obsessed with music as a young lad as well. And also obsessed with technology.

The technology actually came first. And one of the things that that triggered everything was my parents went to Singapore on a holiday. And of course, back in the day, you couldn’t, there was no, you know, local JB or whatever state or wherever you are in the world. There was a few stores around, but there wasn’t the plethora of things and activities that we can get now. And so my parents went to Singapore, and they came back with a brand new VCR.

And my dad said before he left, should we get something and I said, oh look anything, the latest technology, whatever you can find, you know, it’d be amazing. So they bought me back and I still have it. The band has since broken I’m determined to see if I can get this to work. I found this the other day. This is my, Yes. That’s what I had. I had a calculator watch. Yes.

Debbie
A calculator watch. Oh, wow.

Stuart George
A young Sheldon.

Debbie
That’s very nerdy, very nerdy.

Stuart George
Massively nerdy. It certainly is, so that’s where it all started. And I did technology training right then and there, opened up the box, set up the VCR and my dad said, I don’t know how to work this. So rapid fire I went through, scanned it all through. And then I sat down and gave them a presentation at the age of 10 on how to use this brand new VCR and how to program it.

So that’s kind of where the technology came from. Lots of things happens in between all that as well. But, but then the combining music, I’d always seen the connection between technology and music. I’d been a professional musician as well. I started performing in bands at the age of 14, I kept getting poached by music teachers who had their own bands in my music school back in Adelaide. And all of a sudden I was doing all of these events.

Yeah, so it evolved from there. I then of course, had the bug well and truly, and became a music educator as well. And I’ve done instrumental music training at a at a private school as well. So yeah like I’ve been in the thick of it and trying to find the content. I’m a big fan of Debbie’s by the way, trying to find the content that is sitting there on Crescendo.

I wish I’d known because back in the day it was always a struggle trying to find things to engage kids and that’s why I’m just such a massive fan of all things Debbie and everything she does, and so we met at, here you go. Here’s our quick where we met story. When the iPad was first released, what was that stone age somewhere? Way back.

Debbie
I’d have to google that but a while ago.

Stuart George
It was 2010. So, in 2010, I was lucky enough to be selected, there was a small group, who were able to go through into a mega course with Apple to become an Apple certified trainer, which is what I am as well. And shortly after that, I worked with a couple of different music shops back in the day, started off with Billy Hyde when it was only Billy Hyde and not adding all the extra things in.

So I was in the high tech department in Billy Hyde for a short time there and in the music education section as well. So, of course, I’m meeting with lots of teachers and we’re talking technology, I was in my absolute sweet spot, doing all of that. And then I was asked by one of the music stores, it was Ellaways actually, and it was to go through and talk about this new fandangled thing, the iPad. And that was where I met Debbie.

So we got talking, she told me all about her, what she was doing her mission. And I was just in, I just said Oh, look, let’s please keep in touch. So we have and it’s just been a fantastic journey, seeing Crescendo evolve and change to where you are now. So congratulations, and thanks for having me.

The Goal and Overview of the New IT Bytes Podcast Series

Debbie
Thank you, Stuart. That’s lovely. I wasn’t expecting that. But that’s okay, I will take it. And I will just say thank you. Thank you. But the concept that I’d like all my listeners to hear now is that I’d like to put out a series of shorter episodes.

And believe me, I’m not casting nasturtiums on their brain capacity. I’m actually commenting on my own, that when you get a little chunk of new knowledge, I like it to be in bite sized pieces. So that you can take it you can think about it, you can digest it, you can try and apply it. I thought if I sprinkled through my podcasts, these shorter episodes with a focus on technology, with a focus on IT, with one main, I’m gonna say focus again, I don’t like keeping easy, but yes, with one focus one central idea, which may be a few sub points.

So they will be shorter episodes, but because they’re going to be quite meaty in their nature, here is an idea, here is an app, here is how you can use it. Here is a computer program, have you thought of using it this way? Those sorts of things. So I have decided I am calling these new episodes, IT Byts. Okay, so they will be short IT Byt episode.

So it’s it it as in information technology IT and bit spelt BYT. Okay, so they are IT Byts. And Stuart is my IT Byt guy. I thought that we needed to start with an episode like this, so that you know, where Stuart’s coming from. And you’ll know where I’m coming from and what we’re trying to do with these shorter IT Byt episodes.

And I was also toying and I, Stuart, they’re not actually sheduled yet so I can get your input. I was wondering whether I should do a series, you know, do five in a row or something. But I’m thinking that sprinkling them at wider intervals might be better, because it gives you more time to experiment with them before another one comes along. Do you think that’s logical?

Stuart George
I think it’s a fantastic idea. Because in the theme of bite sized bits of information, I think it’s a great idea. And absolutely, there’s so many studies and of course, Debbie and I’ve had many conversations about the the effects of music, you know, the training, and what we all know how it helps our minds as well. I think differently, because of my music education.

I could rave on about my music teachers throughout my high school and extended as well, how much of an influence they’ve had on me. But what I do know is that, you know, we all think differently. So getting a little bit of this technology in the mix as well is going to make you even better and even more amazing.

So let’s that’s the whole idea. And if we keep it short, and the learning style, there’s a couple of different names for it but cafe style learning, so it’s actually something that you might have over a conversation with a coffee. So I think it’s a fantastic idea. And I’m so looking forward to starting the journey with our IT Byts.

Debbie
I think that we’ll look, I wish to take that on board cafe style learning. Have not heard that. I’m happy to take that one on board. That is wonderful. And I’m just so pleased that I could introduce my IT Byt guy. So you’re my IT Byt guy and my web guy and my computer guy.

Stuart George
Absolutely. Here to help. Absolutely.

Debbie
Thank you for joining me for this podcast. Don’t forget that you’ll find the show notes on crescendo.com.au/50. Also, you can find the transcripts there. So you’ve got all of the detail that you need. If you’ve found this podcast useful, I’d really love it if you share the link with a colleague. Remember all I can be is the best version of me. All you can do is be the best you. We’ll meet again, I hope we will, bye.

Sign-Off

Debbie
This podcast is brought to you by Crescendo Music Education connecting supporting and inspiring music educators. In the show notes you’ll find links to Crescendo’s social media platforms. Pplease connect with me and be part of the Crescendo community. You might consider becoming a Crescendo member, for a low annual fee you can access hundreds of files worksheets, printables workbooks, repeat workshops and webinars and receive great discounts on events. So come and connect with me Debbie O’Shea. See you in the socials.

Just for Laughs

As we know laughter relieve stress. Don’t lose sight of the funny side of life.

Yesterday a clown held the door open for me.

Oh, it was such a nice jester.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

• CPK Creative

Where to find me:

• Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity
• Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDebbie/
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/crescendodebbie/